DURHAM, N.C. - Updated: 12:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013:
The updated forecast from the National Weather Service now projects snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches in the Durham area as part of the winter storm warning between 6 p.m. today to 4 a.m. Friday.

Duke officials have been closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions and will communicate updates as conditions warrant, but at this time plan to operate on a normal schedule tonight and tomorrow.

Crews will begin pretreating walkways, entrances and parking lots this afternoon and have plans to begin clearing any accumulation from campus roads, lots and walkways early Friday morning if necessary.

The initial focus tonight will be on clearing parking lots and walkways used for the men’s basketball game. The Duke Men's Basketball game scheduled for 9 p.m. at Cameron Indoor Stadium will be held as scheduled. Crews will clear any accumulations during the game using the priority clearing plan for a basketball event. Those attending are encouraged to consult the priority clearing map to determine the best routes and parking lots to use.

Updated: 5:10 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013:
Durham County is under a winter storm watch for Thursday evening and night with snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches predicted.

Duke officials are closely monitoring weather conditions and forecasts for the area. Updates will be made as conditions warrant.

Given the chance of severe weather, employees are encouraged to review Duke's severe weather and emergency conditions policy to ensure understanding of roles and responsibilities if the policy is activated.

During times of severe weather, some staff positions require on-site presence to continue operations. To ensure continuous operations of patient care, student support and research functions, managers should assign all jobs to one of three service categories:

• Essential Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, essential service staff report or remain at work. Transportation service and childcare services may be provided for those required to work during severe weather or emergency conditions.
• Reserve Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, these staff are assigned a status at the time of the event.
• Delayed Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, these staff do not report to or remain at work.

More information about the policy, including a map of priorities for clearing roads, lots and sidewalks, checklists and answers to frequently asked questions, is available at the DukeALERT emergency website.